Nation’s No. 1 player leaning toward taking final official visit to Alabama

Just like the national championship game this past season, Alabama could edge out Clemson once again. This time, it’s off the field for a five-star prospect’s final visit.

Alabama’s Nick Saban, offensive line coach Mario Cristobal and defensive line coach Bo Davis headed to Paramus, N.J. Wednesday with one goal in mind — get the nation’s No. 1 player, Rashan Gary, back on their campus one last time before signing day. It looks like the Crimson Tide coaches have made significant headway on that goal.

Gary’s mother, Jennifer Coney, who is currently on Michigan’s campus with her son on an unofficial visit, was not available for an interview, but she told SEC Country through text message that Gary is now leaning toward taking his final official visit to Alabama over Clemson.

The five-star defensive tackle from Paramus Catholic will be in Atlanta on Jan. 28 to accept his award from the Touchdown Club of Atlanta for being named the National Lineman of the Year. The following day, he could be on Alabama’s campus for the rest of the weekend before making his final decision on National Signing Day just three days later.

At this point in his recruitment, most in the recruiting industry feel like Michigan holds and edge when it comes time for him to announce his commitment.

Coney has been most impressed with Michigan’s academic pitch, and that’s a huge sticking point when it comes down to her son’s decision.

“They (Michigan) have the Ross School of Business. The way their academics is structured I just feel that the weight of the degree is better,” Coney told SEC Country in November. “That’s my feeling. I may be wrong. That’s just how I feel. I feel Michigan’s academic plan, plan for success, not even for football players but as for student body in general is just important.”

You better believe if the Crimson Tide hosts Gary and his mother on campus the weekend before signing day, several academic advisers pitching Alabama’s business school as strongly as they can to get the 6-foot-5, 293-pounder to commit.